THE HUMAN SIDE OF AUTISM

Susan Sherring’s series on autism (Dec. 2-5) has not only shed some light on the lackadaisical efforts of our elected officials, but also shared a human side to what families face daily (and nightly) with their child(ren) who have autism. Parents are profoundly exhausted not only from raising their child(ren) with additional needs, but from being driven to make a difference for others. The current diagnosis rate of autism is one in 94, and boys receive this diagnosis 4:1 over girls. This is an alarming rate and the bells are ringing. School boards clamour to cope with the influx. Workplaces lag behind in offering meaningful employment. Waiting lists grow exponentially for adult services and supported housing — yet who will care for our children in 25 years? We must all, as a caring society, open our doors to inclusion, our hearts to compassion, our wallets to research, for those who need an extra hand: In the Holiday Spirit — Inclusion is an attitude, adapt yours.

LILLIAN WAGMAN

(There’s a lot of work still to be done)